Obit: Dick Smith

Obit: Dick Smith

August 17th, 2013 in Obituaries

Location: Hamilton county

Orval Richard "Dick" Smith, 90, passed away at Consulate Health Care in Chattanooga on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013.He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Albert as well as his first wife, Casey.He is survived by his sister, Lois McElhinney; wife, Norma; children, Casey Austin, Christine Smith, Dr. Richard Smith, Connie Smith; and stepdaughter, Carole Evans; grandchildren, Sandy Austin, Casey and Barbara Smith; stepgrandchildren, Nathan Evans and Ashley Pederson; and stepgreat-grandchildren, McKinley and Chase Evans and Owen and Sawyer Pedersen.Dick was born in Morning Sun, Iowa on Sept. 20, 1922. He graduated from Morning Star High School in 1939 and served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1946. He attended court reporting school at night where he met his first wife Casey. They were married in 1946 and moved to Chattanooga where they opened the Smith Court Reporting agency. Both Dick and Casey became very involved in local and national court reporting organizations and Dick eventually became president of the National Shorthand Reporters Association from 1972-1973. Dick was universally respected as a court reporter and took great pride in his work.He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National Shorthand Reporters Association and served as the court reporter in several famous trials, including the trial of James Earl Hoffa in Chattanooga in the 1960s.Dick was an avid golfer and also loved to travel. He and Norma visited over 65 countries during their marriage. He was a member of St. Peters Episcopal Church.Dick will be remembered as a classic example of "the greatest generation". He served his country with honor, he was honest to a fault, he worked hard to provide for his family and he took pride in excelling at his work. He will be missed.The family will receive visitors at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at St. Peters Episcopal Church on Ashland Terrace Drive.A memorial service will follow at the Church beginning at 3 p.m.A graveside service will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Peters Episcopal Church.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.